I've been trying to add more color into my wardrobe because I tend to stick to black. A few weeks ago I participated in Fig Columbia's happiness photo shoot. I wore a pair of wide leg pants (my new obsession) and paired it with a turquoise top.

Last year was the beginning of conquering my fears and just doing the damn thing. I created Gather and Craft, a idea which had been dancing in my mind for quite some time and has been perceived well. Now, I am putting myself out there even more by selling the things I make. Introducing...Sebastian Harper.

Sebastian Harper will consists of handmade items (made by yours truly) which will be created by using my favorite skills: crocheting, knitting, and sewing.

In December, I participated in a pop up shop hosted by Chrissy of Hippy Do-Da Creations. I was completely freaking out, I couldn't tell you much about what happened in December because I was just trying to make make MAKE.

I did waaaay better than I expected; giving me the push I need to put myself out there even more. It's hard to put yourself out there for public consumption. People are mean. Hell, I'm mean (sometimes)!

I will continue to expand and bring more ideas of what I want to make to fruition. Such as clothing. When I introduce that part, I want to make the items are as one of a kind as possible. So I'll be sourcing vintage fabric. Luckily for me, I know some great vintage sellers!

Speaking of, one of my favorite vintage sellers, Butterfly Vintage, asked if I wanted to share a spot with her at Soda City one weekend. For those of you who may not know, Soda City is the local market that happens weekly (every Saturday) on the blocks of Main Street. From clothes, purses, jewelry to fresh produce, honey, and cheese, you can literally do your whole shopping for the week down there. Plus, you're supporting small, locally owned businesses.

Without putting much thought into it I told her I would do it. Then I started to freak out. I have been to Soda City as a shopper but to vend? That's a whole new ballgame. And to be quite honest, the insecure highschooler comes out and I don't feel like I'm "cool enough" to be down there. I started to question myself and wonder if my stuff was good enough for anyone to want to buy.

Welp, the day came (this past Saturday) and I woke up two hours before my alarm (major nerves). First, any nerves I had was completely killed when I stepped outside and felt how damn cold it was! With my goal now focused on staying warm, I packed up my car and made my way downtown. Through number fingers and toes (and face and legs and everything else) we got our spot set up.

Slowly but surely the crowd came and the sun started to shine.

And guess what? I SOLD THINGS! People liked my stuff! And that felt good. You know what else felt good? Surrounding yourself with like people who are sharing what they love with the world.

I wanted my stuff to look as professional as possible (i.e. budget friendly for me)

I made these tote bags for my son's teachers for Christmas. As soon as I saw the fabric I knew it would be perfect for a teacher's gifts. I bought the vintage ruler print fabric (from the 70's or 80's) from Butterfly Vintage and the interior fabric was a heavy weight you would typically use for home decor. I used this tutorial. Very easy. I didn't see the teachers open the gifts but one of them did say "Is it homemade? We love your homemade stuff!" That was good enough for me.

About Shanika

Shanika. Maker.

Living in Columbia, South Carolina and using this blog as my space to share a little insight into my life in what I'm making on the sewing machine, knitting needles, crochet hooks, in the kitchen, and elsewhere.